These words appear again and again in CELPIP, IELTS, and university writing tasks. Master their definitions, pronunciation, and usage — and you'll understand more of every text you read.
To examine something in detail in order to understand it or explain it.
The researchers analyzed the data from 500 survey responses.
An idea or explanation that has not yet been proved to be true or false.
The study tested the hypothesis that exercise improves academic performance.
A system of methods used in a particular field of study or activity.
The paper described its methodology in detail so others could replicate the study.
Facts or information used for analysis or decision-making.
The data collected over ten years showed a clear upward trend.
Facts or information that help prove something is true or false.
There is strong evidence to suggest that diet affects mental health.
The results or conclusions of a study or investigation.
The findings of the report were published in a leading medical journal.
To judge the quality, importance, or value of something after careful consideration.
Students were asked to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each argument.
Standards or principles used for judging or deciding something. (Singular: criterion)
Applicants must meet all the criteria listed in the job description.
To make a judgment about the nature or quality of something.
Teachers assess student progress through a combination of tests and projects.
To reach a decision or belief as a result of reasoning or evidence.
Based on the results, researchers concluded that the treatment was effective.
To change behaviour or methods to suit a new situation.
Immigrants must adapt to new cultural norms while preserving their own identity.
To develop gradually over time.
Language continues to evolve as new words enter everyday use.
To change completely in form, appearance, or character.
Technology has transformed the way we communicate over the past decade.
To make small changes to something in order to improve it.
The company modified its return policy after receiving customer complaints.
A change in position, direction, or focus.
There has been a significant shift toward remote work since 2020.
The process of changing from one state or condition to another.
The country's transition to a democratic system took over a decade.
To produce or create something.
The new policy aims to generate more employment opportunities in rural areas.
To put a plan or system into action.
The school board decided to implement the new curriculum starting in September.
To come into existence or become known.
New industries began to emerge as a result of digitalisation.
To become smaller, weaker, or less; a gradual worsening.
Birth rates have been in decline across most developed nations.
To be one of the reasons why something happens.
Poor sleep can contribute to lower academic performance.
To have an influence on someone or something.
Noise pollution affects concentration and mental well-being.
A strong effect or influence.
The pandemic had a significant impact on global supply chains.
The power to affect people's beliefs or actions.
Peer pressure can influence teenagers' decision-making.
Something that happens because of an action or condition.
Increased screen time may result in reduced attention spans.
A result or effect of an action or condition.
One consequence of urbanisation is increased traffic congestion.
To cause something to happen.
The economic crisis triggered widespread social unrest.
To control or influence something directly; to find out by investigation.
Genetics and environment both determine a person's health outcomes.
To cause something to happen or exist.
The experiment produced unexpected results that challenged the original theory.
A relationship or connection between two things.
Scientists have established a link between processed food and obesity.
To explain the meaning of a word or concept precisely.
The essay begins by defining the key terms used throughout the argument.
To put people or things into groups based on shared features.
Researchers categorized participants by age, income, and education level.
To recognize or show the difference between two or more things.
It is important to distinguish between correlation and causation.
To describe the typical qualities of something.
The period is characterized by rapid technological advancement.
To show, suggest, or point to something.
The survey results indicate a growing dissatisfaction with public transport.
To be an example or sign of something; to speak on behalf of a group.
The graph represents sales data from the last five quarters.
To state something clearly and in detail.
The contract does not specify when the work must be completed.
To make something clear using examples, pictures, or diagrams.
The case study illustrates how poverty affects educational outcomes.
To show clearly that something is true or that it exists.
The experiment demonstrates that plants grow faster with increased CO₂ levels.
To recognize and name something or someone.
The report identifies three main barriers to economic growth.
To give reasons for believing that something is true or should be done.
The author argues that current immigration policies are unsustainable.
To provide evidence or reasons to back up a claim.
Several studies support the theory that early childhood education is critical.
To say or show that something is the opposite of what was stated.
The new data contradicts the conclusions drawn in the previous study.
To question the truth or validity of something; a difficult task.
This research challenges long-held assumptions about memory formation.
To show that something is reasonable or necessary.
The government must justify its decision to raise taxes.
To prove that something is wrong or not true.
The scientist was unable to refute the opposing team's findings.
To confirm that something is true or accurate.
Independent laboratories were asked to verify the experimental results.
To confirm the accuracy, quality, or legitimacy of something.
User testing helped validate the design team's assumptions.
To accept or admit that something is true or exists.
The report acknowledges that the sample size was too small for firm conclusions.
A statement that something is true, though it may not be proved.
The advertisement makes bold claims about the product's effectiveness.
Important, large, or having a noticeable effect.
There was a significant increase in test scores after the intervention.
Large in size, value, or importance.
The company made a substantial profit in the final quarter.
Very small in amount or degree.
The changes to the original plan were minimal.
A part or share of a whole; the relationship between parts.
A large proportion of respondents were aged between 25 and 34.
The extent between the upper and lower limits of something.
Participants' ages ranged from 18 to 65 years old.
How often something happens.
The frequency of extreme weather events has increased over recent decades.
To go beyond a limit or be greater than something.
Demand for housing continues to exceed supply in major cities.
Close to the actual figure, though not completely accurate.
The approximate cost of the project is $2.5 million.
More than half of a total number.
The majority of students passed the exam on their first attempt.
Considering or including everything; generally.
Overall, the results suggest that the programme was a success.
To start something permanently; to prove the truth of something.
The study aimed to establish a causal relationship between stress and illness.
To keep something in the same state; to state firmly that something is true.
The author maintains that online learning can never replace face-to-face teaching.
To get something, often through effort.
Participants were required to obtain written consent from their supervisors.
To need something, or to make something necessary.
The position requires at least five years of relevant experience.
To include something as a necessary part.
The research involved interviewing 200 participants over six months.
To mention or propose an idea for consideration; to imply something.
The data suggests that the intervention was more effective for younger participants.
To carefully choose from a group.
Participants were randomly selected from the national database.
To react or answer in speech, writing, or action.
Governments must respond quickly to emerging public health threats.
To say what you think will happen in the future.
Economists predict that inflation will stabilize within two years.
To be different or change depending on the situation.
Results varied considerably between urban and rural participants.
An idea or abstract principle.
The concept of sustainability has become central to modern business practice.
A set of ideas intended to explain something; not yet proven as fact.
Darwin's theory of evolution revolutionized our understanding of biology.
A basic rule or belief that guides behaviour or thought.
Honesty is a core principle of good academic writing.
A particular way of thinking about something, shaped by your experience or position.
It is important to consider the issue from multiple perspectives.
Something you believe to be true without proof.
The model rests on the assumption that all participants act rationally.
A likely consequence or conclusion that can be drawn from something.
The implications of the study for public policy are far-reaching.
An explanation of the meaning of something.
Different scholars offer conflicting interpretations of the historical event.
The circumstances surrounding an event or statement that help explain its meaning.
You must understand the historical context in order to interpret the data correctly.
Something that influences a result or situation.
Diet and exercise are key factors in maintaining good health.
A structure or set of rules used as a basis for thinking about something.
The study uses a theoretical framework drawn from cognitive psychology.
Closely connected to the subject being discussed.
Only relevant studies published in the last ten years were included.
Always behaving or happening in the same way; not contradicting itself.
The findings were consistent with earlier research on the topic.
Including everything or nearly everything that is needed.
The guide provides a comprehensive overview of Canadian immigration pathways.
Central or basic; of the greatest importance.
Access to clean water is a fundamental human right.
Coming after something else in time or order.
Subsequent experiments confirmed the initial results.
Showing a great deal of variety; very different from each other.
Canada is home to a diverse range of cultural communities.
Existing as a natural or permanent quality of something.
There are inherent risks in any type of investment.
Present as the strongest or most important element.
English is the predominant language of international business.
Unclear or having more than one possible meaning.
The wording of the question was ambiguous and confused many respondents.
Stated clearly and in detail, leaving nothing implied.
The contract contains an explicit clause about intellectual property rights.
In addition to what has already been said; moreover.
Furthermore, the study reveals that income inequality has widened significantly.
Despite what has just been said; however.
The sample was small; nevertheless, the results are highly suggestive.
As a result of something that has just been mentioned.
Funding was cut, and consequently, several research programmes were abandoned.
Introducing a statement that contrasts with the previous one.
Urban areas show high literacy rates; conversely, rural regions lag behind.
In a precise and detailed way; particularly.
The policy targets specifically those who entered the country after 2018.
For that reason; as a result.
The data was incomplete and therefore no firm conclusions could be drawn.
Used to introduce a difference between two things.
In contrast to the previous year, participation rates rose sharply.
Also; as an extra point or fact.
In addition to the written test, candidates must complete an oral interview.
Used to introduce a brief restatement of the key points.
To summarize, the evidence strongly favours a plant-based dietary approach.
Concerning or regarding a particular matter.
With respect to climate change, the report recommends immediate action.
